7amleh report exposes role of big tech in Palestinian digital rights violations amid Gaza Genocide : Valley Vision

7amleh, the Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, has published a new report, “Palestinian Digital Rights, Genocide, and Big Tech Accountability,” to mark one year of war on Gaza. The report, published on September 16, examines the role of technology in perpetuating human rights violations, shedding light on the troubling intersection between Israeli government actions and big tech companies’ policies.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of how digital platforms have been complicit in human rights abuses, either through active censorship or the facilitation of disinformation. Over 5,100 documented cases of digital censorship and the spread of harmful content were recorded between 7 October 2023 and September 2024 on platforms such as Meta and X (formerly Twitter). These violations have disproportionately targeted Palestinian voices and pro-Palestinian content, limiting their ability to freely express themselves or share critical information amidst the ongoing conflict.

Central to the report is the concerning revelation of how artificial intelligence, surveillance, and data collection have been weaponised against Palestinians. The Israeli government has reportedly utilised these technologies to target individuals, suppress dissent, and disrupt communications. This includes documented instances of internet and communication blackouts during military operations, aimed at cutting off vital services in Gaza and obstructing the documentation of severe human rights violations.

Moreover, the report highlights how big tech companies have financially profited from harmful advertising campaigns that promote violence and disinformation. For example, Meta’s Facebook ran targeted advertisements inciting the assassination of individuals and advocating for the forced displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank. YouTube, meanwhile, has been found in violation of its advertising policies, allowing the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote content supporting the war on Gaza across France, Germany, and the UK, with an estimated budget of $7.1 million spent in the two weeks following 7 October 2023.

7amleh’s report underscores the urgent need for stronger accountability mechanisms within the tech sector to prevent the exacerbation of international crimes. It calls on both public and private sector actors to put an end to discriminatory practices, urging them to uphold international humanitarian law and protect Palestinian digital rights. The report concludes with a series of recommendations for tech companies, online platforms, telecommunications providers, and global stakeholders, urging them to take immediate action to rectify these injustices and prevent further violations.

As the war on Gaza continues, this report serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role digital platforms play in both protecting and undermining human rights. The call for accountability has never been clearer: without immediate reform, the digital world risks becoming yet another battleground in the ongoing conflict against the Palestinian people.